Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a $9.8 million Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant to Temple College for the creation of a new Central Texas Chips Hub in Taylor. "Through hands-on workforce training, Temple College opened doors to high-demand, good-paying careers for students throughout its nearly 100-year history," according to the Office of the Texas Governor.
The grant supports Texas’ growing semiconductor industry by training skilled professionals for high-demand jobs. "By investing in education and workforce development, we are not only preparing our community for successful careers in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing but also supporting the economic growth of Central Texas," said Temple College President Dr. Christy Ponce, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.
The hub, a collaboration between Temple College and Texas A&M University‒Central Texas, will offer programs from industry-recognized certificates to onsite bachelor's degrees in manufacturing and semiconductor technology. It will serve high school students in dual credit programs, veterans, and community members seeking new skills or career changes. Temple College Vice President of Workforce Development DeDe Griffith said, "The hub will also serve as a testbed for research." State Senator Charles Schwertner said, "Supporting the Chips Hub at Temple College ensures Texans, not overseas competitors, will power the next generation of technological innovation," and Representative Caroline Harris Davila said, "It’s a major win for our students across Williamson County, and it strengthens the semiconductor industry that is driving so much of Texas’ economic future," as mentioned by the Office of the Texas Governor.
